Sean Casten wrote the House Democratic Caucus on November 5, 2026, asking for the job Maxine Waters has held for Democrats on the Financial Services Committee since 2013. Waters gave Casten his own seat at the top of that committee on March 18, 2025, when she announced him as vice ranking member and said he would be a key player in the fight ahead.
Waters is 88 and in her 18th term representing California’s 43rd District. She was the first Black lawmaker and the first woman to chair Financial Services, the committee that writes the rules for banks, housing, the Federal Reserve and crypto. Casten is 54 and in his fourth term, and in his letter he offered the caucus substantive policy expertise, private sector experience and commitment to meaningful oversight.
Every Democrat on the committee except Casten and two others is behind Waters. A senior Democratic staffer called the challenge a slap in the face to so many people of color, and made the comparison plainly: “What name is not getting mentioned? Bernie Sanders.”
Yvette D. Clarke, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, said the caucus is unwavering in its support of Waters’ bid to lead the committee. Ayanna Pressley called her a proven, effective leader who delivers for the people.
Waters answered in a letter of her own, pointing to what she called the most consequential piece of housing legislation and to a Congress being told to deliver results. “I am ready and fired up to lead that charge,” she wrote.
